Yemen - Q&A - Excerpts from the daily press briefing (14.02.18)
Q - Can we conclude that since May 2017, France has never suspended or reduced its arms shipments to Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates because of their involvement in the Yemen conflict?
A - We addressed this point on February 13:
“France enforces an export control policy based on a case-by-case analysis within the framework of the interministerial commission for the export of military goods.
This case-by-case assessment takes into account the type of materials, the end user, respect for human rights, regional stability, and the need to uphold the fight against terrorism. Anything that might undermine the security of civilians is considered in determining whether or not to authorize such exports.
Permits are issued in strict respect of France’s international obligations, and notably the Arms Trade Treaty and the EU Common Position. Like its EU partners, France applies the eight criteria set forth in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of December 8, 2008, defining the common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment.”